Trump tries to sell an economy voters aren't buying
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Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Samuel Corum/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump's economic sales pitch is colliding with voters' sour moods on high prices and the economy as the 2026 midterms loom.
Why it matters: Economic frustration is giving Democrats an opening on the issue that often decides elections — and could help them erase Republicans' narrow congressional majorities in November.
- Trump has previously dismissed economic concerns, assuring voters that prices will come down and that affordability is an issue made up by political rivals to hurt his administration and the GOP.
- But Trump's speech in Michigan is meant to tout the administration's economic policies — though they aren't sitting particularly well with voters.
- The White House didn't respond to Axios' request for comment.
By the numbers: Roughly 35% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, whereas 65% disapprove, per a CBS News/YouGov poll of 2,193 adults conducted July 22-24.
- About 29% approve of Trump's handling of inflation, while 71% disapprove.
- Only 24% of Americans view the economy as excellent or good under the Trump administration this year, down 8 percentage points from July 2025, when 32% viewed the economy as good, according to a Fox News poll conducted July 17-20.
Zoom in: But the economy remains top of mind for voters, with 29% telling Pew Research Center that they want candidates in their home district to focus more on it than anything else this election cycle.
- Notably, neither party has an advantage down ballot on their approach to economic issues. 37% told Pew they most agree with the Democratic Party, while 36% said Republicans.
- According to a Fox News poll, 54% feel Democrats would do better with the economy compared to 45% who felt the same about Republicans.
What we're watching: Who has the winning message for voters come November.
- Currently, Democrats have an 11-point advantage (68% to 57%) over Republicans regarding enthusiasm for voters to go to the polls, followed by Independents at 41%.
- Independent voters will remain a key voting bloc and are essential to win over for whichever party ultimately controls Congress beginning next year.
Go deeper: Trump's economic polling is in freefall
